Wire-testing device



a May 21, 1929. R. E. IRISH WIRE TESTING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet Fil'ed March 26, 1926 FIG.

INVENTOR Russell E. Irish.

FIG. 6

his afforneo May 21, 1929. R. E. IRISH WIRE TESTING DEVICE Filed March 26, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet FIG.

INVENTOR Russell I. Irish. in, mwmzzww FIG. 9

his a'l'i'un e1 May 21; 1929. R. E. IRISH WIRE TESTING DEVICE Filed March 2 1926 SSheets-Sheet FIG.

INVEN TOR B usse I) IIrish 13,, W flwm FIG.

Patented May 21, 1929.

UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RUSSELL E. IRISH, OF DORMONT, PENNSYLVANIA.

. WIRE-TESTING DEVICE.

, Application 'fiiednarch ze, 1926. Serial no. 97,525;

This invention-relates to a device for estimating the pressure exerted'by wire, and

particularly to a device for estimating the 7 the tooth in its socket, andthat the pres sure exerted should not be so great as to loosen the tooth or workinjury to its nerve connections. For this reason it is highly desirable that means for exactly estimating the pressure exerted by the straightening, wire in the position of its use should be uti-' lized prior to the attachment of the wire to the teeth. 2

The object of the present invention is to provide a device which is positive in its operation, and which will estimate exactly the pressure exertedby a straightening wire in the exact position of its application to the teeth, and the pressure exerted by the straightening arch which carries the straightening wire proper. Further objects of the'invention are to provide a device for this purpose'which is relatively simple, and in which the various elements areso constructed and arranged as to permit the testing operation to be quickly and easily performed.

In the accompanying d'rawingsFigure l is a plan view of the device of the present invention, showing a wire mounted in the wire holding means of the device prior to a test for estimating thev pressure to be exerted by such wire; Figure 2 is a plan View of the device, illustrating the actual testing operation; Figure 3 is a vertical sectional View through the device illustrating theoperation shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view through one of the binding posts for holding the wire; Figure is a plan view of'the indicating mechanism of the device, with the calibrated cover of teh indicating mechanism removed; Figure 6 is'a detail view partly in longitudinal section of the wire contacting member associated with the indicating means; Figure 7 is a side elevation of the device, showing the use of an attachment for making a different estimation of pressure exerted by a wire; FigureS is a front elevation showing such attachment in detail on'the section line 7.7 Figure 8; Figure 9 is a vertical sectional detail View through one of the bindingeposts of'the attachment taken on the line 9 9 of, Figure 8 FigurelO is av fragmentary plan view illustrating a use of the device; and Figure 11 is another fragmentary plan View illustrating another use of the device.

, As illustrated, the device comprises a box or case 1, having a top or cover 2.. On the top or cover 2 are a pair of tracks or ways 3 in which a platform 4 is slidable. On one ofthe tracks 3 is a scale 5, while the platform is provided with an indicating mark or .line' 6 for showing distance moved by the platform with reference to the scale. Secured to the under side of platform 41-- is a lug or nut 7 which extends downwardly through a slot 8 in the cover 2. An actuating shaft t) has a screw threaded portion 10 engaging the nut lug 7. This shaft 7 has its bearings'in lugs 11 and 12, which are" shown integral with the cover 2, and is rotated by means of a wheel 13 extending above the cover. Thiswheel is marked in subdivisions, so that itgives a micrometer reading of movement of the platform. ,As the scale 5 on one of the tracks 3 isin milli meters, the micrometer scale l lon the wheel 18 is desirably in hundredths of millimeters. I

I The wire holding means of the device comprise a rotatable member or turn table 15, which is rotatably mounted on the platform 4 by the same screw 16 which secures the nut 7 to the platform. Athreaded handle member 17 provides a convenient means for rotating the turn table, and for holding it in adjusted position. Securedto the platform 4,. and embracing the turn table 15 is a segmental scale 18 for measuring angular adjustment of the turn table onthe platform 1. On the rotatable member or turn table 15 is a track 19 which is substantially enclosed to provide an internal path bular stem '23 which rests on the track, and

a rod'24, which has a foot 25-engaging in the path 20 of the track and a screw threaded portion 26 extending above the upper end of the stem. A cap member 27 engages on the portion 26 of the rod, so that it may.

be moved upwardly or downwardly with respect thereto to release or clamp a wire A in the binding post.

A freely rotatable washer 27 surrounds the rod 24:, and is disiio hular extension 51 of the casing 29.

posed between the stem 23 and cap 27, so that rotation of the cap does not tend to twist the arch wire A. A coiled spring 28 is inserted in a seat in the upper portion of stem 23 in position to surround the rod 24: and ear directly against the washer 27. This spring pressure serves to hold the stem 28 in position on track 19, and to maintain the position of the binding post as a whole, when the end of the arch wire is removed from the binding post.

The indicating means of the device comprise a casing 29 mounted on a slide O which is disposed between parallel tracks The slide 30 issecured to a nut 3:2 which extends through a slot in the cover 2 of the main casing of the device. Engaging with the nut 32 is a threaded shaft'33, which has bearin s in lugs 3 and 35 depending from the under side of cover and which is provided with a micrometer wheel 36 similar to that described for producing movement of the slide 4. The slide 30 is formed to provide a pointer 37, which cooperates with scale 38 for showing movement of the indicating means.

The operating elements of the indicating means proper comprise a yoke or frame 39 within the casing 29. Movement of this yoke is resisted by a pair of coiled springs l0 which are attacl'ied to lugs 41 in the interior of the casing. Movement of the frame 39 is transmitted to a pointer 41-2 by means of an arm 43 engaging a segmental rack l l which in turn engages a pinion 45 on the pointer supporting shaft &6. A coiled spring 47 tends to restore the pointer to initial position upon retraction of the frame 39 by the coiled springs 40. A calibrated scale t8 is provided as a cover for casin 29,.and co-opcrates with the pointer in giving the desired readings.

The contact means for transmitting movement to the frame 39 comprise a rod 4:9. which is integral with the frame and extends from the point 50 thereon. This rod 4 9 has a frictionless mounting in a tu- This mounting comprises a ligl'it coiled spring which is secured at one end to the tubular extension 51 and at its other end to the rod sit). At the outer extremity of rod 49 is a ferrule for cont cling the wire to be tested. As ssown in Figure 6, this ferrule is notched at its outer end to embrace the wire to be tested; and has at the base of the notch 5st a rounded bearing point 55,so that a point bearing with the wire isprovided.

In use of the device in orthodontia a wire A is mounted in curved position. with its ends held by the binding posts 22. The length of the wire itself, together wit the mutual adjustment of the binding posts gives the desired curvature to fit the mouth of the patient the tooth or teeth of whom are to be straightened. Tothis wire arch A a length of straightening wire B is then attached by soldering one end of the straightening wire to the arch wire, leaving the other-end of the wire B free. The turn table 15is then swung to the desired degree to indicate the direction of pressure to be exerted on the tooth or teeth.

The arch wire A exerts a presure on the ligual or labial surfaces of the teeth to secure a normal occlusion'.' The short wire B exerts pressure on a single tooth or on relatively few teeth. As its effect is concentrated rather than distributed, this wire is desirably relatively light. It effects a special straightening effect independent of the effect of the arch wire A.

The slides 4 and 30 are then moved so that the ferrule 53 on the end of the rod 49 of the indicating means is in contact with the wire B at a desired starting point for the estimation of pressure. Further, and exactly measured, movement of the slide l will indicate, by means of the pointer 42 and calibrated scale d8, the pressure exerted by the wire during such movement at its point of contact with the rod 49. After the desired readings for movement through various distanceshave been taken at any one point, readings may be taken along the wire B by movement of the indicatingmeans in a direction at right angles to that of the slide 4 which carries the wire holding means.

If so desired the expansive pressure exerted by the arch wire itself may be exactly estimated. 7 This is effected by bending the arch wire A to approximate form, and clampingits ends in the binding posts 22. The distance separating the bindin posts, and, consequently the ends of the arch wire, may be observed on a scale 19 marked oil on the track 19. One end of the arch wire is then released from its binding post, and is bent outward a distance which may be roughly noted on the scale 19 so as to take a permanent set in this posit-ion. The turn table 15 is then rotated to present the loose end of the arch wire to the head 53 of rod 49. 7 By then moving the slide a toward the indicating means the pressure required to move the loose end of the arch wire back to its binding post may be observed. This is conversely the pressure which this free end is capable of exerting through the distance noted by means of scale 5 and micrometer 13. This operation may be performed successively on both ends of the arch wire.

If the wire B is found to exert too light pressure, or a dangerous degree of pressure, an arch A carrying a pressure wire B of greater or lesser length or gauge may be substituted and similarly tested. These tests may be continued until an arrangement providing exactly the right pressure for the purpose has been secured. As the distance which the straightening wire B extends outwardly from the arch wire A affects the pressure exerted by the straightening wire,

it is of great advantage that the distance separating every part of the straightening wire from the arch wire may be noted by moving the platform 4 and observing the distance moved on the scale '5. v

The pressure exerted inother, directions by an arch wire, or by a straightening wire attached thereto,'may be estimated by means of the attachment shown in Figures 7'to9 inclusive of the drawings. This attachmentcomprises a frame member 56, which has depending therefrom split fastening members 57 over which are collar members 58 carrying-split extension pins 58*. Spaced sockets 59 are provided in the platform 4 for receiving eitherthe fastening members 57 themselves, or the split extension pins 58*. By means of this arrangement the height of frame member 56 with respect to teriorly thereof a beveled face 6t engaging.

an interiorly beveled ring 65. A Washer 66 is interposed between the frame member 56 and the'ring 65.

In mounting the wire C for testing, the caps 62 are loosened to permit mutual adjustment of the screws .61 in the frame member and the extremities of the wire C are inserted in the deep kerfs in the heads 63 of ing posts as a whole in their position on frame 56, but also drawing up the heads 63 of the screws into their rings 65, and so decreasing the width of their kerfs as to clamp the ends of the wire firmly in position.

\Vhen mounted in this position the arch \vire may be tested for distance of upward and downward movement, and upward and downward pressure exerted on the teeth of a patient. To make this reading the arch wire is bent from points adjacent the ends of the arch wire, and is insertedin the binding posts. By then moving the slide toward the rod 49, the distance through which the loop is moved in making the arch wire perpendicular, and the pressure required to do so, may be noted. One reading necessarily indicates the pressure and distance in either upward or, downward movement, because the difference 1n obtaining these movements is-merely a matter of reversing the arch Wireas applied in the mouthof apatient. It should be understoodthat the device is usually employed repeatedly in successive tests during the process of moving the teeth of a patient to secure normal occlusion. It should be understood in this connection that a straightening wire is: tested for a short movement, without excessive pressure, and

allowed to remain in the mouth of the patient for a number of days. The wire is then removed and the estimation for a further movement is 'made from the point to which the straightening wire was previously bent. In a successful treatment the total distance through which the tooth or teeth have been moved is increased moderately byeach application of the straighteningwire until normal occlusion has'been obtained. i

With the mounting for an archwire C, as

shown in Figure 3; in second, and subse-- quent applications of the ,wire, the point at which the slide 41- rests with the arch in contact with head 53 is first noted onthe scale 5. The arch wire is then-removed fromthe binding posts, and isbent further in the same direction an approximated distance.

The arch wire is then returned tothe binding posts, and the slide moved until the arch and after the additional bending gives the distance of such additional bending; The,

slide is then again moved forward a distance l equal to such difference, and the pressure noted.

' With the mounting for an .arch wire A,

as shown in Figures 1 and 2, readings for applications subsequent to the first may be made in the following manner. Thearch wire, in the shape in which it was last applied, is placed in the binding posts 22, and the readings on the scale .19 noted. 7 The arch wire is then removed, and bent so that one of the ends extends azgreater distance, as may be observed roughly from scale 19?. The other end is then placed in its binding post, and brought into contact with head 53. The pressure exerted in. bringing the free end back to position for engagement with the binding post may then be observed, and the exact distance of movement also observed by reference to scale 5 and micrometer scale 13. v

In making aditional readings for increased tooth movement to be caused by auxiliary straightening wire B, the procedure is I crometer scale 13. The arch wire is then removed; and either a new wire soldered on, or the old wire bent further. This new arrangement is then estimated by bringing auxiliary straightening wire B into contact with head 53, and the slide moved forwardly into its exact previous position, as shown by scale 5. and micrometer scale 13.

In making all determinations, theslide 30, whichv carries scale casing 29, may be moved in the previously described manner to secu re readings at observed points along the wire.

As shown in Figure 11 of the drawings, the instrument may also be used to determine the pressure exerted by a screw socket applied to one end of the arch wire. In such use of the device, a screw socket 67, having a threaded engagement with one end of the arch wire, is clamped in one of the binding posts 2:2 without the exertion of sufficient pressure thereon to prevent turning of the socket. The other end of the wire is clampet in the other binding post 22. The curve ofthe arch wire is then broughtinto contact with the head 53 of all or part oi a revolution. The pressure eirerted by turning the screw socket may be noted on the scale 48. V It should be understood that the principle of the present invention, with a device of various sizes but substantially unaltered form, may be applied for testing wire to be used in various connections other t ian orthodontia.

What I claim is:

1. A device for estimating thepressure exerted by a wire comprising wire clamping means, pressure indicating means having a member arranged to contact with the wire, said wire clamping means and pressur dicating means being separately mounts rectilinear movement toward each during testing of the wire, and manuay operable means for producing relative movement between said \vire clamping means and said pressure indicating means.

2. A device for estimating the preset exerted by a wire comprising a .7 mounted for sliding movement, wire holding means on said carrier, pressure indicating means in the path of movement oithe carrier and having a member arranged to con tact with the wire, and means for measuring movement of the carrier "toward and from the indicating means.

3. A device for estimating the pressure exerted by a wire comprising a carrier mounted for measured sliding movement, wire holding means on said carrier, and pressure indicating means in the path of movement or" the carrier and having a member arranged to contact with the wire and mounted for measured movement in a path at approximately right angles to tl at of the carrier.

l. A device for estimating. the pressure exerted by a wire comprising a carrier erable means "for producii mountcd lor sliding movement, wire clamping means on said carrier, pressure indicatmeans having a member arranged to contact with the wire, a-scale adjacent the car'- rier for estimating 'movement thereof, and

manually operable micrometer means for producing movement of the carrier and for measuring distance moved thereby 'etween subdivisions the s are.

5. A device foimcstim or; the protein's exerted by a wire c niprising a carrier mounted for sliding movement, wire. holding means on said carrier, pressure indicating means hav a member arranged to contact with the wire, manually operable means for producing movement of the carrier toward and from said pressure indicating means, and a slidable mounting for said pressure indicating means arranged for movement at approximately 1'; it to the path of movement of the carrier.

6. A device :Eor'estimating the pressure exerted by awire, comprising a c rrier mounted for sliding movement, wire holding means on said carrier, manually operable micrometer means for producing mov ment of the carrier and for measuring tance moved thereby, slidably mounted pressure indicating means arranged for movement at approximately right angles to the path of movement of the carrier, and manually operable micrometer means for producing movement of the indicating means and for exactly measurin distance moved thereby. r

7. A device for estimating exerted by a wire comprisin the pressure g a shdably anounted carrier, wire holding means rotatably mounted on said carrier, pressure indicating means having a member arranged to contact with the wire, and manually opg movement of rier toward and from the pressure ing means.

8. A deviceifor estimating the pr exerted by a wire comprising a si mounted. carrier, wire holding means rotatably mounted on said carrier, pressure indicating means ha a member arranged to contact with. the W11? manually operable means for producing movementof the carrier toward and from the pres-sure indicating means, and a scale adjacent the carrier for estimating the dis .i removed the eby.

9. A device for estimating the pressure exerted by a wire comprising a carrier mounted. for sliding movement, wire holding means rotatably mounted on the carrier, pressure indicating means having a n ember arranged to contact with the wire, a scale adjacent the carrier for estim ting distance moved thereby, and manually operable micrometer means for producing movement of carrier and for measuring distance moved thereby between subdivisions of the scale.

10. A device for estimating the pressure exerted. by a wire comprising a carrier mounted for sliding movement, wire holding means rotatably mounted on said carrier, pressure indicating means having a member arranged to contact with the wire and slidably mounted for movement at ap-' proximately right angles to the path of movement of the carrier, and manually operable micrometermeans for producing movement ofthe indicating means and for exactly measuring distance moved thereby.

11. A device for estimating the pressure exerted by a wire comprising wire clamping means, pressure indicating means having a member arranged to contact withthe wire, said wire clamping means and pressure indicating means being separately mounted for rectilinear movement toward each other during testing of the wire, manually operable means for producing relative movement of said wire clamping means and said pressure indicating means, and a scale for indicating the distance of such relative movement.

12. In a device for estimating the pressure v the wire.

13. In a device for estimating the pressure exerted by an arched wire the combination off a slidably mounted carrier, a rotatable member on said carrier, a scale'on the car-- rier for indicating the angular position of the rotatable member thereon and binding posts mutually adjustable on said rotatable member and arranged to each receive one end of the arched wire.

14. In a device for estimating the pressure exerted by an arched wire the combination of a slidably mounted carrier, a rotatable member onsaid carrier, a scale on the carrier for showing the angular position of the rotatable member for holding the wire with respect to the direction of movement of the carrier, a pair of-binding posts mutually" adjustable in said track and arranged to each recelve one end of the arched wire, and

manually operable micrometer 'means for producing movement of the carrier and showing the distance moved thereby.

15. In a device for estimating the pressure exerted by a wire the combination of a slid-.

ably mounted. carrier, a rotatable member.

on said carrier, binding post-s mutually ad'- justable on said rotatable member for holding the wire, and pressure indicating means having a member arranged to contact with the wire held by said binding posts.

16. In-a device for estimating the pressure exerted by a Wire the combination ofa slidably mounted carried, a rotatable member on said carrier, binding posts i mutually adjustable on said rotatable member for holding the wire,'and pressure indicating means mounted for movement in a path at approximately right angles to the path of movement ofj'the carrier and having a member arranged to contact with the wire.

holding the wire, manually operable mi crometermeans for producing movement of the carrier and showing thedistance mover thereby, pressure indicating means mount- 7 ed for movement in a path at right, angles to the path of movement of the carrier and having a member arranged to contact with the wire held by the binding posts, and manually operable micrometer means for produclng movement of the indicating means and for measuring the distance moved thereby.

18. In a device for estimating the pres sure exerted by a wire'the combination of a slidably mounted'carrier, a rotatable member on said carrier and having a track therein, and a pair of binding posts mutually adjustable in said track and arranged each to receive an end of the wire to be tested, each of said binding posts comprising atubular stem, a rod passing through the stem having a threaded portion extending thereabove and a portion engaging said track, a cap engaging the threadedportion of said rod, and

yielding means interposed between said stem and said cap.

19. In a device for estimating the pressure exerted by a wire the combination of a slidably mounted carrier, aTotatable member on said carrier, a scale on the carrier for indicating the'angular position of the rotatable member thereon, binding posts mutually adjustable on said rotatable member and arranged'to receive an end of the Wire to be tested, and a scale for indicating movement of the binding posts on said rotatable member.

20. As an .article of manufacture av binding post construction comprising a track having an upper portion supported to provide a path therebeneath, a tubular stem on 7 and the track engaging portion of the rod to remain in tight contact with the track when the binding post is retaining no wire therein. I

21. As an article of manufacture a bind.

ing post constructien ceniprising a track having zinnpper port-ion supported to provide a path therebeneath, a tubular stem having a chamber therein on said track, a red passing through seid stem having a threaded portion extending thereabove and a portion engaging the under surface of the upper portion 0i said track, a cap engaging 10 the threaded portion of said rod, and a RUSSEL E. IRISH. 

